A.B. 2350 - Governance & State Oversight

05/06/2014

Sponsor: Assemblymember Susan Bonilla (D)

Summary: Provides that the Donahoe Higher Education Act, known as the Equity in Higher Education Act, declares that it is the policy of the State of California that all persons, regardless of their sex, should enjoy freedom from discrimination of any kind in the postsecondary educational institutions of the state. Adds to the Equity in Higher Education Act, a provision specifying that this policy of freedom from discrimination includes, but is not limited to, freedom from pregnancy discrimination as described in a specified federal statute.

Prohibits postsecondary educational institutions, including the faculty, staff or other employees of these institutions, from requiring a graduate student to take a leave of absence, withdraw from the graduate program or limit his or her graduate studies solely due to pregnancy or pregnancy-related issues. Requires postsecondary educational institutions, including the faculty, staff or other employees of these institutions, to reasonably accommodate pregnant graduate students so that they may complete their graduate courses of study and research. Requires the maintenance of the student status and status in the graduate program of graduate students who choose to take leaves of absence because they are pregnant or have recently given birth, unless there is a medical reason for a longer absence. Requires postsecondary educational institutions to allow graduate students who choose to take leaves of absence because they are pregnant or have recently given birth up to twelve additional months to prepare for and take preliminary and qualifying examinations and an extension of up to twelve months toward normative time to degree while they are in candidacy for a graduate degree.

Outlook: At the scheduled hearing, the Committee on Appropriations will accept limited public testimony. A vote on this measure is expected at the hearing. Should the Committee determine this measure has a significant fiscal impact, it may place this measure in its suspense file for consideration at a later time. Per Joint Rule 61(b)(8), the committee has by May 23 to act on this measure.

This measure was withdrawn by the sponsor, amended and re-referred to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations. The author's amendment is technical in nature.

The Committee on Higher Education recommended this measure for passage by a 13-0 vote. A large number of state wide and federal professional and educational organizations registered in support of the measure. There was no opposition registered with the committee.

This measure was withdrawn by the sponsor, amended and re-referred to the Assembly Committee on Higher Education. The author's amendment is technical in nature.

This measure was amended by the author to prohibit postsecondary educational institutions from requiring a graduate student to take a leave of absence, withdraw from the graduate program or limit his or her graduate studies solely due to pregnancy or pregnancy-related issues. The measure was re-referred to the Assembly Committee on Higher Education for consideration.

The sponsor is a member of the majority party but has not garnered the support of any cosponsors. The Democratic Party controls both legislative chambers as well as the Office of Governor.